<img src="https://media.glamour.com/photos/57922b67afa7b54550fadf78/master/pass/01-crystal-hussein-real-wedding-pictures-0720-studio-sms-photography.jpg" alt="Bling on a Budget"/>

Bling on a Budget

A bride named Crystal is practically required to wear some bling on her big day, and while her accessories look expensive, she scored them on major sale. Heads up to all brides-to-be: "Saks Off Fifth has two huge sales a year on designer costume jewelry," Crystal shares. "I got my jewelry on a super discount."

Say Yes to the Dresses

This gown is just one of three that Crystal wore for all of her wedding celebrations. She first tried on the drop-waist Pronovias creation at a bridal salon (after trying on more than 100 others!), but ended up purchasing her dress on Tradesy. "I found it at a 60 percent discount, and most of the tailoring was already done," Crystal says.

Family Traditions

As part of Lebanese tradition, Hussein's mother sang and recited poetry before their wedding. "The poetry is sung by the women in the family, wishing the couple joy, happiness, love, and the like," Crystal explains.

Beautiful, Beautiful Bride

Crystal was certain to cover the details of their first look with both the photographer and videographer after their stateside vendors failed to capture that moment at their Florida ceremony. "I told them that footage of him was the most important," Crystal says. "The result was I got all the reactions I wanted memorialized."

Life (Not) in Ruins

Not many couples get to take pictures with ancient Roman ruins in the backdrop, but Hussein's father convinced the curator of Lebanon's Baalbek to stay open after hours for them to get these amazing shots. "This was by far the most commented on element of either of our weddings," Crystal says.

Behind the Veil

That stunning cathedral-length veil you see in these photos? Ever-thrifty Crystal got it at Bed Bath and Beyond. "No seriously, that Bed Bath and Beyond," she says. It was $60, and "in photos you would never know the difference," Crystal says.

Barrels of Ideas

Crystal drew inspiration from the venue itself—with its cobblestone pathways and lush green gardens—for her reception's decor. "I had a lot of greenery in my arrangements and I borrowed wine barrels from the hotel to flank the sweetheart table," she says. "Both of which were met with skepticism at first in Lebanon, but everyone loved it in the end."

Secret Garden

"Most outdoor weddings in Lebanon are open air with very little character," Crystal explains—but that was not the case with her and Hussein's reception. They selected their paradise-esque venue because it had a fun and cozy vibe. (There was even a small creek running through it.)

Lebanese Traditions

Crystal and Hussein incorporated several Lebanese traditions into their wedding, including a Zaffe—which is a dance troupe of men dressed in white. "Lebanese weddings are all about entertainment," Crystal says, and the Zaffe helps to kick things off.

On Cloud Nine

Crystal had nixed any smoke effects at their reception—but was happy that the venue ignored her request. "I was practically tripping over my dress every time I went backward in the dance—which was quite a bit," she says. "The smoke covered it expertly and made it look like I was floating."

Baby, You're a Firework

Crystal also originally disliked the idea of any pyrotechnics at their reception—but when the end result looks like this, she couldn't help but be on board. "It was magical," she recalls. (And we agree!)